WCML vs ECML

[Phoenix]

So time for that all important question which do you prefer the ECML with it's years of ledgendary traction such as the A2s,A4s,Deltics and the class 91's or do you prefer the WCML with it's years of pioneering traction which really set the level for all mainlines.

So time to choose.

 

[Ascot]

West Coast, gets me to places quicker than the East suprisingly I live on it and it's never shut due to loose wires.

 

[JoshW1992]

East Coast, as it passes by place of birth.. Doncaster... plus, there was never a shortage of proper locos.. such as the A4's, and A3's on that line.

 

[Phoenix]

West easily get's mine although I don't mind the ECML the west is best.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

East Coast, as it passes by place of birth.. Doncaster... plus, there was never a shortage of proper locos.. such as the A4's, and A3's on that line.

When were you born 1930????

 

[JoshW1992]

When were you born 1930????

Cor, I wish... proper locos everywhere :grin:

 

[P156KWJ]

ECML, because the majority of intercity services aren't units like on the WCML (bar Hull Trains 180s/222s) and also, it's the nearest intercity line other than the MML to me

 

[87015]

WCML every day, week, month and year. ECML South of York is dull as dishwater. Even in these rancid shed/pendocrap times the WCML still seems to throw up more than its fair share of interesting movements.

And the WCML is such a farce you never know what will happen next

 

[devon_metro]

GWML

 

[D306]

wcml any day! (except when it's closed for engineering works )

 

[will1337]

ECML, straighter and feels like a proper main line. Has a much nicer route through London too. Has proper trains on with Cl 91 + MK4 and a few HSTs a day when they aren't horribly broken and not a Pendo in sight. I like the 313s and 365s on the southern end and the HT 180s and 222s give a little variation.

 

[P156KWJ]

180s and 222s? was much better when they had a can and some mk3s

 

[Aureol]

WCML for me kthxbai.

I've spent my life working on the railways (well, 5/6 years) working on the ex-LMS, so naturally the WCML is my favourite. I know the ECML is closer, but the WCML is still by far the best.

 

[37412]

WCML (when it ain't shut for engineering works), it had proper electrics running on it daily until a few years ago (87's) and I never seem to get bored on the run where as on the ECML i'm asleep before Stevenage when coming out the X.

 

[devon_metro]

wcml any day! (except when it's closed for engineering works )

In which case "any day" doesn't apply

 

[D306]

true

 

[BJMorley]

Both!!
I don't like deciding between the two!!! I'm both an LMS and LNER fan, but if I did choose it would probably be the old WCML went trains didn't tilt!!!
Brandon

 

[CraigS]

WCML, I Find it a lot more interesting than the ECML.

 

[Pumbaa]

ECML - it feels like a proper mainline; straight fast and smooth. The stations are nicer as well and it's quicker from London - Scotland.

Plus big windows to admire the view up from Berwick 8)

 

[Darandio]

ECML for me, probably due to living within a stones throw of it for my first 20 odd years.

 

[will1337]

180s and 222s? was much better when they had a can and some mk3s

Still better than 390, 390. 350, 390, 350... admittedly the 321s south and the 323s north are pretty nice though.

 

[Guinness]

I find the ECML quite boring besides I have good memories of reaching south of Milton Keynes with the NSE/Silverlink signage.

Plus I live on the WCML anyway!

 

[Galvanize]

For the traction.... ECML. Which I use at least twice a year to Edinburgh and beyond, find it dull and boring from Knebworth to York (at least Digswell Viaduct bears an interesting view as the train speeds across). It's alright beyond Durham, with views of Angel of the North, river Tyne, and the Northumberland Coast

Scenary Wise....gotta be WCML, north of Preston anyway!

 

[me123]

Do I have to choose Only been North of Preston/York, and I like both. If you could put tilting ECML stock on the WCML you'd have the perfect combination.

Well, as we're voting for the line and not the whole experience, WCML wins. Also, it wins on price and delays (there are just so many ECML delays that usually aren't caused directly by NXEC/GNER).

 

[Techniquest]

I voted WCML straight away. I hate the ECML as it's so boring. Even with a pair of Valentas on the service of choice, it's dull as dishwater and enough to drive you mad.

I prefer the West Coast for the fantastic scenery. Plus we've got Shap and Beattock over here, all the east has is that poncy Stoke.

 

[Donny Dave]

I prefer the West Coast for the fantastic scenery. Plus we've got Shap and Beattock over here, all the east has is that poncy Stoke.

Guess you haven't been much further than Northallerton that often then

Between Northallerton and Newcastle, there is quite a few big hills to go over ....

And how can the coastal route North of Newcastle not compare with the WCML? You get all the scenery with the added bonus of the rugged coast line.

 

[Meld]

ECML - The original High Speed Railway - proper engines capable of sustained 100mph running hauling Mk2s, and doing it long before the WCML got its wires north of Crewe, The ride on the WCML in the late 70's/early 80's was appalling, always felt like you had a flat, even the introduction of the mk3s didnt improve the situation. ECML always smooth as silk.

Don't know why but in my spotting days in the 70's Crewe always seemed so boring, non stop trains trundling through at 20 mph, you could get the chassis number instead of the loco number they were that slow :grin::grin:

 

[FusionRail]

Just to be different I'll pick the MML! :grin:8)

 

[Broken Viking]

Hail All!
My vote went straight for the WCML. Although the traction there nowadays seldom features classic BR stock like a lot of people seem to prefer, the many twists and turns of the WCML plus the application of tilting trains throughout does make it feel a lot faster than the ECML in my opinion. 8)

Besides - For me at least, the idea of doing 750mph up the ECML isn't nearly as appealing as doing the same speed up the WCML...Aside from the greater enjoyment that I get out of tilting trains in general, 750mph up the WCML would be a much more interesting challenge than the same on the ECML!

Farewell... 8)
>> Death <<

 

[me123]

And how can the coastal route North of Newcastle not compare with the WCML? You get all the scenery with the added bonus of the rugged coast line.

Easily. The West coast is much nicer IMO, although the East coast has some lovely views. Although, North of Edinburgh, you certainly can't beat the ECML.

 

[Ascot]

And how can the coastal route North of Newcastle not compare with the WCML? You get all the scenery with the added bonus of the rugged coast line.

Easy, National Parks and even the bit south of Northampton has nice country side.